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I’ve had VATS twice now. One in 2019 and one in 2021. Both were for a pleurodesis as the pneumothoraxes I experienced refused to self resolve. Zero regrets on both, but I didn’t have a choice, really.
Only pain I was left with is slight discomfort in my left upper chest region if I inhale too deeply while reaching up for things, and some nerve damage that results in a localized burning numbness that extends slightly into my armpit if I press above my right breast. Nerve damage came from the second.
I did have nerve damage from the first that left me numb in a candy bar shape right under my ribs on my left side for a year or so. The numb burning above my breast comes and goes in severity but the severe end has been weakened more and more with time.
I was able to return to normal life. Exercise isn’t an issue as long as I avoid over extending my arms upward. Basically no straining to reach stuff on my left side. I haven’t been swimming in many years, but I can imagine large, powerful strokes could cause me some discomfort.
Life is back to normal for me now, but I do have some anxiety that crops up with chest pains. The worst part of it all in my experience was the chest tubes.
Hope this helps.